Carter's Emotional Farewell
In a moving ceremony filled with tears, cheers, and heartfelt words, the Toronto Raptors honored their legendary player Vince Carter by retiring his No. 15 jersey.
3: Holding back tears, Carter expressed his gratitude to the Raptors, the city of Toronto, and the fans who had embraced him throughout his career. "This is an incredible moment," he said. "I never would've thought this day would come. This is a dream come true."
Legacy of Excellence
Carter's exceptional contributions to the Raptors left an indomitable mark on the team's history. In his six seasons with the franchise, he averaged 22.4 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 4.0 assists per game. He led the team to their first playoff appearance in 2000 and propelled them to the NBA Eastern Conference Finals in 2001.
His iconic slam dunk over the 7-foot Frederic Weis during the 2000 Olympics in Sydney solidified his status as a global basketball sensation. Fans worldwide marveled at his electrifying dunks, soaring above the rim with unmatched athleticism and grace.
Fan Appreciation
The Raptors faithful turned out in droves to pay tribute to their beloved player. The Air Canada Centre erupted in thunderous applause as Carter's jersey was raised to the rafters. Fans held signs that read, "Thank You VC," and chanted his name with fervor.
Carter acknowledged the unwavering support of the Toronto community. "You guys embraced me with open arms," he told the crowd. "I'll never forget the love you showed me."
Induction Ceremony
The jersey retirement ceremony was a fitting prelude to Carter's induction into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2020. He joined an esteemed group of basketball legends whose impact on the game has left an enduring legacy.
Carter's retirement from professional basketball in 2020 marked the end of an era for the Raptors and basketball fans alike. His legacy as one of the greatest players to ever don the Toronto uniform will forever hold a special place in the hearts of the city and its basketball fraternity.